Friendship Flats

INTERACT ONE ON ONE!

In this shallow lagoon guests can reach out and touch rays as they glide by.

Their skin is smooth and touching them will not hurt you or the rays.

Rays do, however, have strong teeth in their mouths so touching them should be limited to their dark top-sides!

Aquarists are on hand to assure the safety of both our guests and rays and to answer any questions regarding these unusual creatures.
Want to get even closer? Find out about Swimming with the Stingrays.

DON’T TOUCH THESE!

There are so many amazing and fascinating creatures at the aquarium. Make sure you also look for these impressive predators … just leave the petting limited to the rays.

BONNETHEAD SHARK

Related to the much larger and fiercer hammerhead shark, bonnetheads are a small 4 foot long shallow water, coastal shark.

Like hammerheads, bonnetheads have their eyes at the end of their curved lateral head. This allows them to see in all directions and gives them increased depth perception.

LEOPARD SHARK

Typically measuring 3.9–4.9 ft long, this slender-bodied shark is immediately identifiable by the striking pattern of black saddle-like markings and large spots over its back.

Large schools of leopard sharks are a common sight in bays and estuaries, swimming over sandy or muddy flats or rock-strewn areas near kelp beds and reefs.